CA2352013A1 - F.p.v. container - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a collapsible and free standing pressure vessel, designed for the transportation of fluids or semi-fluids, to offshore installations.
The invention described here is a multipurpose flexible containment device, and unlike its nearest rival, has a self stabilising bottom.
The container is ball shaped with a base ring which is an integral part of the fluid carrying capacity and when filled the unit automatically inflates to its ball shape with the base ring giving a donut effect allowing maximum stability.
It is a space saving device when empty, and the outer webbing not only acts as a built-in lifting device for engagement with a crane, but is also an integrated part of the structure, adding durability and extra strength. The unit has a removable liner for toxic or non-toxic materials, in the event that the unit has to carry a different type of material back from the offshore location.

Description

Specification Ref F.f'.V. ivontainer AppIicF~tion no. 2,352,013 This invention is a collapsible and free standing pressure vessel, designed for the transportation of fluids, or semi-fluids, to offshore installations.
Shipping containers are well known devices comprising of an all-steel construction, with four corner castings, top and bottom, forklift pockets at bottom, and usually two opening doors on one end.
They can be lifted by crane, usually by the attachment of a wire rope sling.
Containers, however, are relatively expensive to manufacture and have to undergo stringent steel design codes, and take up a great deal of space even when empty.
The invention described here is a multipurpose flexible contt~ainment device, and unlike its nearest rival, has a self stabilising bottom, and can be operated either under pressure or vacuum.
It is a space saving device when empty allowing minimum shipping costs and eliminating the need for valuable offshore platforms real estate usage. tMe cuter webbing net only acts as a built-in lifting device, but is also an integral part of the structurr~, adding durability and extra strength.
A number of openings may be provided in the envelope to permit filling and emptying.
The shape of this container makes this extremely versatile. Regular steel units will sink if washed overboard in severe weather canditions, and cause the toss of possible hazardous contents. This unit in its loaded state will fleet and with its unique shape it will automatically flip upside dawn and act as an emergency life raft.
Further uses are for oil spill recovery, the vessel can be used to contain recovered oil and then locked together to form a chain to prevent are oil slick from spreading.
Further proposed use far this inventive design ws to help contain flash flood waters, using the readily available water as ballast, this would then be used to build barrier dykes eliminating the need for sand bags.

Brief Description of the fJrawings Ref F.P.V. Container Application no. 2,352,013 A spacrtic embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example to the acoorrtpanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 sttowa a cross-secbOn of the device in a full positron.
Fig. 2 it~ustrates an aerial view.
Fig. 3 shows the mans of filling and emptying with a bu~t~in hand operated butterr~y valve. Also shown is an added sealing safety cap, which is of screw knock-on, knock-aff type, secured by wire rope to prevent lass.
Fig 4 shows a bail and spring operated pneasure valve.
Referrirng to the drawing, (Fig 1 ) the crantainer comprises of an inner removable liner (No. 8~
which is of food hygiene standard, and a flexible cuter casing (No. ?), both of which are secured within an oubar support system (No.'s 2 & t3) which doubles as the lifting device, incorporating the lining ring (No. 1 ).
the container can be fll~d under pressure via th~a hose connection (No.. 3).
To pnQVertt over-filling and damage under pressure, there is fitted a pne~-set safely rjelease valve (No. 5).
When emptying under vacuum there ~ an addi~onai praa-set safety release vahre (No. 4y.
As the container is gradually fillet! the self-stabitisirtg device ryas apparent (No. 9~
The body can then be filled in a stable manner.
The outer webbing (No.'s 2 8~ 8) shown in Fig. 1 in the lifting position, and Fig. 2 from an serial!
vi~w, shows th~ amount of lifting straps incorporated. !t is also an integral part of the system, which cannot be removed on site, preventing loss.
No. 1 Lifting ring No. 2 & ~B Factory tested outer webbing and lil~lng mechanism.
No. 3 Screw fitting connection with hand operated butterfly valve and safety cap.
No. 4 Pressure r~eleasa valve under suction.
No. 5 Pressure release vahre under pressure.
No. 6 Removable hygienic liner.
No. 7 Flexibt~ outer casing.
No. 8 Above as In No. 2 No. 9 Self stabilising section.

Claims (7)

1. A collapsible container for shipping fluids or semi-fluids to and from offshore installations.

2. Can be filled or discharged under pressure or vacuum.

3. Floatation device in emergency

4. Inexpensive to manufacture and maintain in comparison to its steel counterpart.

5. Dramatically reduce shipping costs to offshore installations.

6. Less valuable rig space required.

7. Multi purpose use.